FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON KILIMANJARO CLIMB. What route should I climb? Around 80% of climbers choose the Marangu Route (5 or 6 days), which is commonly referred to as the Tourist or Coca Cola Route. The rest usually go for the Umbwe, Rongai or Machame Route (6 or 7 days). The other two routes (Shira and Lemosho) are far less frequented and therefore allow for a more remote and natural experience. It is however important to note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year. January to March are very good months with mild temperatures and almost no clouds in the morning and late afternoon. During the day however there might be few short rain showers or a little snow on the summit. The main rainy season starts at the end of March and lasts until the end of May. For Kilimanjaro climbers, this means that clouds may block visibility and there might be heavy rains on the lower altitudes and snow on the summit. June, July and August can be cold, but visibility is usually very good. Temperatures rise in September and October, however during this time of the year there is often a belt of mist on the middle altitudes, leaving the summits peaking through the clouds. November and December usually have perfect visibility in the nights and morning, but short rains during the day and thunderstorms at the late afternoon are common. For Kilimanjaro climbers, a factor to take into account is the full moon it is a unique experience to climb the roof of Africa lit under the shining moon light only without having to using headlamps. Full Moon Dates Summiting on or soon after a full moon helps illuminate the landscape without using headlamps. It is very beautiful, but certainly not necessary for summiting the mountain. To summit on a full moon, you will want to start a 6-day trek 4 days before the full moon (3 days before if doing a 5-day trek). How fit do I have to be? Many texts state that Kilimanjaro is easily accessible. However, you should not under estimate this mountain. There are no technical mountaineering skills required, but general fitness is necessary. The biggest problem for climbers is the effect of high altitude sickness which seems to be unrelated to fitness, age or gender. It is a good idea to start some physical training prior to the trek, which might include aerobic cross training and hiking to familiarize your body with the rigors of the trek. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be for you. Determination and willpower is another important factor. Please see below information on health for Kilimanjaro climbers. Altitude sickness Different people under similar conditions will respond quite differently to altitude. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Your response to altitude will depend on your rate of ascent, the magnitude of the ascent, and your individual susceptibility (genetics). The effects can be mild or severe, and are caused by a lack of oxygen to the muscles and brain. As altitude increases the concentration of oxygen stays the same, but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced as the barometric pressure drops. At 5500 m (18,000 ft), there is half as much oxygen available as at sea level. Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet. In some cases altitude sickness can turn extremely severe, even fatal. For reasons not entirely understood high altitude and lower air pressures can cause fluid to leak from the capillaries and build-up in the brain and lungs. Continuing an ascent without proper acclimation can lead to a life threatening illness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness will occur in 75% of people who travel over 10,000 feet, and can affect some people at lower altitudes. These symptoms include: Fatigue Dizziness Headaches Nausea Disturbed sleep Indigestion Loss of Appetite Vomiting These symptoms typically begin immediately after arrival and tend to worsen at night. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within 2-4 days as the body acclimatizes. As long as symptoms are mild and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate. Prevention of AMS Altitude sickness is preventable! Pay close attention to your body and the health of individuals in your group. Immediately communicate any symptoms of illness to others on your trip, since oxygen deprivation of the brain may cause individuals to deny or not recognize their own symptoms. STAY HYDRATED urine output should be copious and clear. Try to drink at least 4-6 liters per day. AVOID tobacco, alcohol, and other depressant drugs including barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. They further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms. In addition, avoid diuretics such as coffee and tea. DON T GO UP UNTIL SYMPTOMS GO DOWN people acclimatize at different rates, so make sure that your entire party is properly acclimatized before going higher. Rest at the same altitude is efficient for mild symptoms, but if they do not go away within a day or two it is essential that you descend immediately. DIAMOX (acetazolamide) is a drug shown to be effective in minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation by helping you breathe deeper and faster. This drug is not used in treatment - it should be used as a preventative measure only. The recommended dose is 125 mg twice a day and it is advisable to start taking it 2 before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. Side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision and alteration of taste. If you are allergic to sulfa drugs you should not take Diamox. Use of this drug is controversial, so it is advisable to research its effects prior to seeking a prescription. Eat high-carbohydrate foods while avoiding fatty foods. Before your trip, maintain a good work/rest cycle, avoid excessive work hours, and last minute packing. Listen to your body. Do not over-do things the first day or two. Avoid heavy exercise. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) HAPE results from fluid buildup in the lungs, which prevents effective oxygen exchange from the lungs to the bloodstream. This is a very serious condition that can lead to death if not treated immediately. Symptoms of HAPE include: Irritating cough (can produce frothy, often blood-tinged sputum) Mental confusion, staggering drunken walk Quick shallow breathing, difficulty breathing Exhaustion Chest pain Gurgling noise in chest
Debilitating headache and severe fatigue Disruption of vision, bladder, and bowel functions Loss of coordination of trunk muscles (test by walking straight line) Although rare, HAPE frequently strikes young fit climbers and trekkers. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or others in your group you must descend immediately, even at night. HAPE can be fatal within a few hours if left untreated. However, if diagnosed early, recovery is rapid with a descent of only 500-1000 meters. Besides descent, treatment also includes rest, administration of oxygen, and portable hyperbaric chambers. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) HACE occurs when fluid leakage in the brain causes swelling which affects the central nervous system. This is considered the most serious altitude related illness. If left untreated it will lead to coma and death. HACE is thought to occur in 1% of persons above 4000 m and 3% of those with AMS, and usually occurs after a week or two at high altitudes. Symptoms of HACE can be similar to AMS and HACE and include: Drowsiness Headache Changes in Behavior Staggered gait (unable to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line) Severe weakness/fatigue Impaired mental processing, confusion Difficulty Speaking Blindness Vomiting Paralysis of a Limb Decreasing levels of consciousness(loss of memory, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, and coma) Seizures Immediate descent is the best treatment for HACE. This is of the utmost urgency and cannot wait until morning. The moment HACE is recognized is the moment to start organizing an effort to get this person down the mountain, usually to the point where they last slept with no symptoms. It is important to recognize that persons with this illness are often confused, and may not recognize that they are ill. Note: The information provided here is designed for educational use only and is not a substitute for specific training or experience. We assume no liability for any individual s use of or reliance upon any material contained or referenced herein. What if I am slower than other trekkers? There is no need to worry this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and the guides will permanently remind you about this ("pole pole", which means "slowly, slowly"). By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to the high altitude. There is plenty of time allotted each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly. What if I cannot make it to the top? Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reach the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is rewarding. If one or more members of a group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or hut.
The guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance. How much equipment will I carry? You are expected to carry your own day pack, which should be able to sustain you until you reach camp at the end of the day. You do not need to carry your personal backpack/duffel pack it will be carried by a porter. The weight per porter is limited to 15 kg (35lb). If you bring overweight luggage, every 15 kg will be charged extra at 100 USD for an extra porter for the whole climb. Your backpack/duffel bag will be brought from campsite to campsite before you arrive it will already be there. What you need during the day in your day pack will depend on your priorities, but will generally include drinking water, basic medical kit, camera, waterproof layers, a pair of gloves and hat, a warm layer and snacks. What is the accommodation like at the trek? On the Marangu Route there are simple basic huts. The first two huts sleep four people each and the last hut is in a dorm-style with bunk beds. On all other routes, you will sleep in a 3-person dome-style mountain tents, two people in each tent. The tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules to keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down and carried along with everything else by the porters. A toilet tent is set up at every campsite and hot water is provided for each person every morning if possible (no showers are available). There will be dining tents with chairs and tables where all meals will be served. Before the meals, we will provide soap and hot water for washing your hands. How many hours will I trek per day? Please see below our route comparison table with the hours one treks per day Route comparison table Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Marangu 5/6-day Mandara 2740m 9000ft Horombo * 3700m 12,100ft Kibo 4700m 15,400ft Machae 6-day Macham e 3100m 10,200ft Shira 2 3840m 12,600ft Barranco 3860m 12,700ft 6 hours Machame 7-day Machame 3100m 10,200ft Shira 2 3840m 12,600ft Barranco 3860m 12,700ft 6 hours Rongai 6-day Rongai 2880m 9450ft 2nd Cave 3450m 11,320f t 3rd Cave 3870m 12,700f t Rongai 7-day Rongai 2880m 9450ft 2nd Cave 3450m 11,320ft Kikelewa 3600m 11,800ft Umbwe 6/7-day Umbwe 2800m 9200ft Barranco * 3900m 12,800ft Karanga 4200m 13,800ft Shira 6/7-day Shira 2 3840m 12,600ft Barranco * 3860m 12,700ft 6 hours Karanga 4200m 13,800ft Lemosho 8/9-day Mkubwa 2750m 9000ft 3 hours Shira 1 3500m 11,500ft Shira 2 3850m 12,600ft 2 hours Day 4 Barafu Karanga Kibo Mawenzi Barafu Barafu Barranco
Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Horombo 1700m 5500ft 3 hours 8 hours 4200m 13,800ft Barafu 8 hours 4750m 15,600f t Summit / Horom bo 19,300f t 11 hours 1700m 5500ft 3 hours 4330m 14,200ft Kibo 4750m 15,400ft Horomb o 5500ft 3 hours 1829m 1829m * 3860m 12,700ft 6 hours Karanga 4200m 13,800ft Barafu 1829m * Here you can spend an extra acclimatization day What is the food like at the trek? See our sample menu or vegetarian menus for climbers below:- Typical Menu Sample menu for Kilimanjaro climbers Day 1: Lunch Packet:- Bun with salami and cucumber Green pepper, carrots and fruits Day 2: Soup of the day with bread Fried beef with roast potatoes, rice, carrots and cabbage Tea or coffee Oats with milk
Boiled eggs, Spanish omelette or fried eggs with bacon Bread with Tea or coffee Day 3: Spaghetti with meat sauce or fish with rice Tea or coffee Boiled eggs, Spanish omelette or fried egg with bacon Bread with tea or coffee Boiled eggs, salami sandwich, cheese and fruits Beef goulash with beans Bread with coffee or tea Day 4: On the way to the summit:- Tea or coffee and biscuits, orange squash or soup French toast Macaroni with meat sauce Bread with tea or coffee Roast chicken with vegetable fried rice, green pepper and carrots Pancake with honey Tea or Coffee Day 5: Oats with milk Boiled eggs, Spanish omelette or fried eggs with bacon Bread with tea or coffee Vegetarian Menu for Kilimanjaro Climb Day 1:
At the hotel Lunch packet from the hotel Day 2: Vegetable soup with toast Spaghetti, Fried Potatoes, Vegetable sauce Mixed salad and Fruits Tea and Coffee Fresh fruits, Porridge, toast with Jam, Honey, Butter Tomato sandwich, bread, biscuits Tea or coffee Popcorn Fresh vegetable soup, Sandwich, pancake plain chips and eggplant Vegetables and Fruits Day 3: Fresh fruits, porridge, toast with Jam or Honey or Butter Tea, coffee or Milo Cucumber sandwich, carrots, biscuits, cake Tea, coffee or Milo Vegetable soup or Mushroom soup with toast Rice, Vegetable sauce Green vegetable and fruits Day 4:
Fresh fruits, Cornflakes, toast with Jam or honey or butter Hot lunch i.e. plain chips or French toast Vegetable soup or Mushroom soup with toast Macaroni and vegetable sauce Day 5: Mid-night light tea with biscuits At Kibo or Barafu after SUMMIT Orange Squash, tomato sandwich or Spaghetti mixed with vegetable sauce Vegetable Soup Tea, Coffee Popcorn or biscuits Vegetable soup with pancake Rice mixed with vegetable and Vegetable sauce Day 6:, cornflakes, toast with Jam or honey or butter. Hot lunch i.e. plain chips or Macaroni At the hotel Who will be my guide? The guides have collectively climbed Kilimanjaro well over a thousand times. They are extremely knowledgeable about climbing the mountain. Further to this they are regularly trained in
zoological and geological topics, first aid, customer relationship, English language and environmental conservation. The guides are all full-time employees who are fully licensed by the National Park authorities. What luggage should I pack? It is important to keep luggage to the barest minimum when on a trek, as this will ease the burden of the drivers, vehicles and porters. Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It is a good idea to bring another smaller bag so that unwanted clothes can be kept in it at the hotel when you go on trek. This also helps to keep city clothes clean and free from dust. You should also bring a small day pack which can be carried while hiking or riding or can be readily accessible when you are traveling in the vehicles on long drives. On camping trips all equipment will be provided except for a 4-season sleeping bag. You do not need to provide any other camping gear; only personal belongings. It should be noted that the luggage limit per person on domestic flights is 15-20 kg per person (checked-in and hand luggage). On your inbound flight, don't check in items that you absolutely need (such as medicine), as it is not uncommon that checked-in luggage gets misdirected and arrives in Tanzania a couple of days after you. It is better to have such items in your hand luggage.